Being energy efficient in industrial applications is more than
just a desirable side effect in today's manufacturing environments.
Electric motors are a big energy drain and increasing their
efficiency by 25% can cut the global energy demand by 10% .
Often, in the quest for efficiency, hydraulics and other options
are picked over pneumatics, but with the right efforts, pneumatics
can bring you efficiency and significant costs savings.

Below are five ways to cut your energy bills using pneumatic
systems.

But first, set your baselines.

Any project involving increasing efficiency will need you know
where things stand right now. Once you know how much energy
you're consuming and where you think your issues are, you'll
find it easy to measure your effectiveness.

1. Check Your Design
Several things can be done to improve the efficiency of current
machines. But the design of the entire facility is vital, and
each new machine added should ideally be the most efficient
you can afford. Changes like replacing every double acting cylinder
with a single one can rack up significant efficiency benefits
over the years. Use automation and regulation where possible
and review your design to upgrade at regular intervals.

2. Check Your Pressure
Pneumatic systems waste a lot of energy when too much pressure
is applied for a task that doesn't require it. A problem easily
fixed by using the right control devices that can measure the
amount of pressure being applied and regulate it to the appropriate
amount. Besides saving energy, the right pressure also governs
the speed of pistons, which translates to faster, quieter, and
longer-lasting equipment.

3. Check For Leaks
Reducing leaks increases efficiency - a relatively intuitive
fact. What does that mean for pneumatic systems? Leaks are typically
caused by poor design and the wear and tear of seals. The choice
of material in the seals also impacts leaks (metal is usually
more inefficient). Adding leak detection devices can help reduce
the consumption of compressed air and lower costs. Further,
a leak-free set up prevents the loss of pressure resulting from
leaks.

4. Manage Your Air
Putting in place a program that manages your air is another
route to efficiency. Many applications need a vacuum, a process
that can waste air. Again, there are regulatory pieces of equipment
that exist to control this. Circuits can turn the air pressure
on and off as the vacuum is achieved. Further, the quality of
air is important as well. Air is easily polluted by contaminants
like chemicals. Frequent testing and filtration can help protect
you.

5. Commit To The Cause
The cause of energy efficiency is not an easy one. It takes
commitment at the highest levels. Management involvement to
stress the importance of the efforts can serve as great motivation.
A dedicated team, ideally cross-functional, accountable for
the outcomes will further be able to put the mandate in motion
for the entire company to commit to.

At a manufacturing facility level, small efficiency improvements
can translate to huge savings in a relatively short time. A
positive all round. Pneumatics, despite the fact that it's not
the first choice in several cases, when used properly, can significantly
contribute to your bottom line. Consider the benefits before
you dismiss it! Good luck.

About Us

Vissers Sales Corp. is a Canadian distributor and representative for
liquid handling equipment related to the Chemical/Industrial market.
We specialize in all types of pumps, mixers, valves, process controls,
level and flow controls.